Some Wellington residents are still unhappy with the decision, but the council had the final say.

Many government and health organizations support water fluoridation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention even called it “one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.”

Science shows that fluoride reduces the chance of tooth decay by about 25 percent, the CDC states. As long as its used in small amounts, it’s shown to be a positive for preventative dentistry. Wellington will use it at a rate of 0.7 mg/l as recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Then why did Wellington stop using it?

Opponents see the issue as forced medication. If someone doesn’t want fluoride or has an intolerance to it, they now don’t have a choice whether it shows up in their water.

The Fluoride Action Network is the biggest group against it. It doesn’t think there is enough research to determine long-term effects and that it could cause other health problems.

More than 50 residents showed up to speak for and against the practice at the June meeting last year.

Ultimately, the council leaned on the science when it unanimously decided to put fluoride back in the water.